Gratitude. It's a lost art. We get so wrapped up in our own little world that we forget to put ourselves in another's shoes. We're in a hurry and don't pay attention to inconsequential details like our server's name, or even what they look like. When our food comes out wrong we assume whoever is cooking it must be an idiot, not that staff hours have been cut so far back that the line cook is doing the work of two people so sometimes that special request (in the hundreds they get a night) gets overlooked.

Tonight when you're headed out to dinner with your favorite partner in crime, plot out a not-so-random act of kindness because today is special. It is National Food Service Worker's Day:

Thank the host for seating you and maybe even hand them a tip.

Ask your server their name and use it.

Ask whoever delivers your food if they have a prayer request that you can lift up when you say the blessing.

Leave a ridiculously large tip.

Ask to speak to the manager and compliment their staff in both the front and back of the house.

Send a note back to the grill cook.

Any of these could make a big difference in how their shift goes, and those positive vibes can have a ripple effect among the whole staff and even the patrons. Let's all make a point to appreciate the people that make, serve and clean up after our meals. If you've ever worked in the food service industry, you likely do these things already (if you don't, use this opportunity to remember where you came from...don't be that customer). And, if you haven't ever known the joys & trials of the industry, be extra grateful!

What's your favorite way of showing your appreciation for food service workers? For those in, or have come through, the food industry, what's the best act of gratitude you've experienced?